Four more local government units (LGUs) in Negros Oriental are upgrading to the African swine fever (ASF) pink zone, which will allow them to transport pigs to other provinces, the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) said yesterday.

PVO information officer Jaymar Vilos told the Philippine News Agency that the municipalities of Amlan, Tanjay City, Dauin, and Zamboanguita are completing the requirements for upgrading their ASF zone status.

A pink zone is a buffer zone where there are no ASF cases, but the LGU must implement strict biosecurity and surveillance activities to prevent outbreaks.

This brings the total number of LGUs that have already upgraded their buffer zone status to seven. Three other LGUs — Valencia, Manjuyod and Bais City — have been elevated to the yellow zone (surveillance), although Bais City still needs to comply with additional requirements.

Vilos urged the remaining LGUs to apply for an upgrade so they can avail of government benefits like indemnification for culled hogs and the National Livestock Program repopulation grant.

“Hog farmers’ associations in LGUs who have upgraded will receive farm stocks and inputs to revive their livelihoods,” he said, adding that Amlan was recently granted the repopulation grant.

Vilos believes some LGUs may not be applying for the upgrade due to tedious requirements or because they have no markets outside the province and are content selling their hogs or pork locally. (PNA)